Petron reverts back to San Miguel name next conference

MANILA, Philippines — San Miguel Beermen, the only pioneer team in the PBA is set to make a comeback.

As early as this year’s Commissioner’s Cup, the league’s second conference, the Petron Blaze Boosters will revert back to their original monicker in time for the 25th anniversary of the franchise’s historic Grand Slam feat in 1989.

San Miguel Corporation chief Ramon S. Ang said it’s timely that the company would bring its core brand back to the PBA.

“San Miguel Beer is synonymous to brewing excellence. We built our success as a conglomerate on San Miguel’s name. We are happy to announce its return to the PBA and we look forward to its future success,” Ang said in a statement.

Overall, the San Miguel franchise has won a league-leading 19 championships to date and with a right mix of battle-tested veterans in reigning MVP Arwind Santos and premiere playmaker Alex Cabagnot and fast-rising stars Chris Lutz, Marcio Lassiter and June Mar Fajardo, the team is eyeing for more.

“On the 25^th anniversary of that historic feat, we will gun for more championships with a new generation of talented and hardworking players and coaching staff,” Ang said. “As in the past, our aim is to stay true to the San Miguel brand of excellence and to play hard and well above our fans’ expectations.”

In 1989, San Miguel Beer swept all three conferences to nail the third of only four PBA Grand Slams. The others were accomplished by Crispa (1976 and 1983) and Alaska Milk (1996).

That fancied team was made up of now-Barangay Ginebra San Miguel coach Ato Agustin, Alfie Almario, Ricardo Brown, Hector Calma, Ricky Cui, Yves Dignadice, Ramon Fernandez, Jeffrey Graves, Bobby Jose, Samboy Lim, Franz Pumaren, Alvin Teng, Tonichi Yturri, Michael Phelps, Keith Smart and Ennis Whatley.